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Rainbow: A First Book of Pride
A must-have primer for young readers and a great gift for pride events and throughout the year, beautiful colors all together make a rainbow in Rainbow: A First Book of Pride. This is a sweet ode to rainbow families, and an affirming display of a parent's love for their child and a child's love for their parents. With bright colors and joyful families, this book celebrates LGBTQ+ pride and reveals the colorful meaning behind each rainbow stripe. Readers will celebrate the life, healing, light, nature, harmony, and spirit that the rainbows in this book will bring.
24 pages, Hardcover
First published May 7, 2019
3 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
About the author
Michael Genhart
20 books24 followersMichael Genhart is an award-winning author of several children's books, as well as a clinical psychologist. He lives with his family in Marin County, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
February 11, 2022
As I get older I see that so much pain in the world is caused by groups not accepting each other; that if a group does one thing that we disagree with we sever all lines of communication. I can only hope that books like this will help younger generations understand that you do not have to do this - that people are more alike than they are different. When I was younger I did not understand the concept of pride in the LGBTQ community; some of my friends influenced my thinking and I did not bother to look any deeper. A book like this would have been very helpful back then - glad to see it here now.
July 15, 2019
This is just so cute! Michael Genhart has brought to us a simple little book that explains each colour of the rainbow used on the Pride Flag. We get a simple one line to read out to children along with cute illustrations of same sex couples of different ethnicity.
I'm not sure if it was intentional or not; but there are couples in the book where it's hard to tell if they are male or female. This feels just perfect for this little primer that is all about people being inclusive. I also liked the descriptions of the colours in the flag. I think this is something that everyone should know and helps reinforces Pride values.
This review is based off the assumption that Rainbow comes as a board book for all pages and is suitable for babies - toddlers.
To read this and more of my reviews visit my blog at Epic Reading
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
I'm not sure if it was intentional or not; but there are couples in the book where it's hard to tell if they are male or female. This feels just perfect for this little primer that is all about people being inclusive. I also liked the descriptions of the colours in the flag. I think this is something that everyone should know and helps reinforces Pride values.
This review is based off the assumption that Rainbow comes as a board book for all pages and is suitable for babies - toddlers.
To read this and more of my reviews visit my blog at Epic Reading
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
February 6, 2019
Rainbow by Michael Genhart is a book that should be on every library's shelf. It is geared towards a young audience, but it does something I haven't seen in many books about pride for children- it explains the meaning behind the various colors in the rainbow flag. The text is simple and positive and the illustrations are beyond adorable. Families of different races are represented, and heterosexual couples are present along with same sex couples. This book just made me feel happy while I was reading it, and I'm so glad it exists. An excellent book.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2021
I feel like it could only be better if there was some more obvious non-binary/ gender-nonconforming, and disabled representation. Not that there's none, but more please :)
November 5, 2021
Cute and rainbow-colorful. Lots of smiling happy people. But it doesn't end with that feeling that the small child reading this book, or having it read to them will say "Again, Again". How does something this simple with smiling happy people make the wish-to-be-banned list? Oh - there is a happy black and white guy kissing at the end in a crowd of people!
I saw this book in the list of 800+ books attempting to be banned- by Texas state Rep Matt Krause.
https://www.goodreads.com/list/tag/fi...
I saw this book in the list of 800+ books attempting to be banned- by Texas state Rep Matt Krause.
https://www.goodreads.com/list/tag/fi...
June 5, 2021
Psychologist Michael Genhart shares the definitive colors of PRIDE!
Celebrate Color and LOVE!
Good introductory read for PRIDE!
Celebrate Color and LOVE!
Good introductory read for PRIDE!
September 18, 2020
This is a great little book to help the young reader understand PRIDE. It also could be used to help a grownup understand a little better.
Check out: dragqueenstoryhour.org
Check out: dragqueenstoryhour.org
February 14, 2019
Michael Genhart's Rainbow is a sweet little book that makes pride accessible to the the littlest readers. Rainbows are a universal symbol of happiness that have come to signify so much more within the LGBTQ* community. Genhart introduces the colors of the rainbow as well as lots of different kinds of families. Since I was only able to review an e-book version I'm not sure sure if this will be released as a board book, which is what I would recommend. The simplicity of the text and its educational focus on introducing colors make it most appropriate for a very young audience of 0-3 year olds. (The book will be released May 2019.)
May 16, 2019
Perfect for Rainbow Pride Storytimes! This book covers the meaning behind each color on the flag.
August 16, 2019
People of all colors and a variety of families make the world a wonderful place.
January 24, 2020
Sweet book that goes through what each color of the rainbow means. I mostly liked it for the illustrations which shows families of all types.
April 2, 2019
This book was cute and he pictures were inclusive and charming. It taught me what all the colors in the pride flag stand for which I didn’t actually know. But it was a little simple and superficial. It could have gone a bit deeper and given a history of the flag as well.
October 19, 2025
Not a TON of subtance/info here, but I honestly prefer that to the kids pride books that absolutely jam in vocab and concepts (usually with crummy rhyming) and feel like they weren't actually intended for the kids. This book walks readers through the colors of the pride flag and what each symbolizes. Accompanying these brief phrases are bright and stylized depictions of a wide range of visibly queer families going about their business. At the end is a Todd Parr-style page of rainbow text affirming readers and reinforcing the meaning of pride.
November 22, 2019
A perfect little book to share pride with young readers. Sweet illustrations and messages that go color by color.
July 13, 2019
Exactly as it says on the tin: this is a book celebrating the rainbow as a Pride symbol! The simple, minimalist text illuminates meanings for each color. The illustrations are really the star of this book, displaying a race- and gender-diverse cast of children and families celebrating. My one criticism is that I didn’t see anyone with visible disabilities represented, and that everyone’s body was pretty much the same size/shape/width (other than adults being taller than children). I would definitely recommend this one nonetheless.
August 19, 2019
Rainbow by Michael Genhart is a cute book that explains what each color in the rainbow flag stands for. The illustrations are very cute and I love the different couples throughout the book. Not only do you see LGBTQ+ couples on these pages, but also lots of different races/interracial couples. This is a really cute first Pride book, but I do wish there was a little more writing in it - perhaps describing what different people like to do for the different colors.
December 23, 2019
A simple, clear picture book that emphasizes colours, kindness and love. Perfect for a pride storytime... More of these! Forever!
December 30, 2019
I think their could have been more to it-missed opportunity.
July 24, 2019
This book is a great first impression for children to learn and understand the symbolism of the LGBTQ+ rainbow flag and what each color of the rainbow flag represents.
The only reason why I rated this children's book four stars that I felt like each flag color needed one more sentence following the introduction to each color. For example, I felt like each flag color should have a description that was more than one word: healing, sunlight, etc. I say this because the book could be incorporated longer into a child's reading time, whether they are being read to at one age or reading independently at a different age. Parents could omit words that their child doesn't know yet, or use the book to introduce new words as well.
I love the illustrations and their representation of diverse families of all kinds, but also wish that the authors could have secured a few real photographs to place at the end of the book so that children can see what our beautiful LGBTQ+ community looks like outside of an illustration.
I highly recommend that every parent or expecting parent (of all kinds, of course) add this book to their collection.
The only reason why I rated this children's book four stars that I felt like each flag color needed one more sentence following the introduction to each color. For example, I felt like each flag color should have a description that was more than one word: healing, sunlight, etc. I say this because the book could be incorporated longer into a child's reading time, whether they are being read to at one age or reading independently at a different age. Parents could omit words that their child doesn't know yet, or use the book to introduce new words as well.
I love the illustrations and their representation of diverse families of all kinds, but also wish that the authors could have secured a few real photographs to place at the end of the book so that children can see what our beautiful LGBTQ+ community looks like outside of an illustration.
I highly recommend that every parent or expecting parent (of all kinds, of course) add this book to their collection.
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April 14, 2021This book goes through the ~current colors of the Pride flag, illustrating the meaning of each one* in a 2-page spread largely suffused with that color. The illustrations all feature families including parents that read as same-sex or gender-ambiguous. But nothing in the text specifically calls out anything about queerness or Pride. :/
We open with, "Rainbows! Every color means something," and end with, "Everybody loves rainbows. [page turn] Rainbows make the world smile. [page turn] Rainbows sing out. Be happy. Be love. Be proud." It is at the end of this final two-page spread that we finally see anyone kissing.
There's a postscript sort of page where the author says:
*red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, blue for harmony, and violet for spirit
We open with, "Rainbows! Every color means something," and end with, "Everybody loves rainbows. [page turn] Rainbows make the world smile. [page turn] Rainbows sing out. Be happy. Be love. Be proud." It is at the end of this final two-page spread that we finally see anyone kissing.
There's a postscript sort of page where the author says:
Rainbows are so colorful and beautiful, nature's way of smiling at us all. Rainbow flags are happy too. They celebrate love, hope, diversity, and acceptance. Waving the flag says, "This is who I am, and I stand proud!" Happy Pride!Which gets us closer but still doesn't really say much.
Love, your rainbow friend,
Michael
*red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, blue for harmony, and violet for spirit
June 11, 2024
Spoiler-free summary:
""Rainbow: The First Book of Pride" is a colorful and uplifting picture book that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and its history. Through vibrant illustrations and simple yet powerful text, the book introduces young readers to the concept of Pride and the significance of its rainbow symbol. From the Stonewall Riots to Pride parades around the world, the book highlights key moments and figures in LGBTQ+ history, while also emphasizing the importance of love, acceptance, and diversity. With its inclusive message and engaging storytelling, "Rainbow" fosters understanding, empathy, and pride in young readers, encouraging them to embrace who they are and celebrate the unique identities of others" (ChatGPT, June 10, 2024).
Commentary:
This is a beautiful book with an amazing story that spread love about the rainbow and shows a lot of support to the LGBTQ+ community throughout the storyline. There are stories with a deeper meaning occurring in the background with the actual story is still going. This a very great book to read aloud to students and ask for their input about what they see and what they think is happening.
Application:
In my class, we could read this during pride month and then follow it with an activity sheet that asks them what each color of the rainbow represents for them. And then we could go outside and find things to stick onto our paper and make our own rainbow from outside items. This is a great way for the kids to bond with nature and also think about the things they care, love and value.
""Rainbow: The First Book of Pride" is a colorful and uplifting picture book that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and its history. Through vibrant illustrations and simple yet powerful text, the book introduces young readers to the concept of Pride and the significance of its rainbow symbol. From the Stonewall Riots to Pride parades around the world, the book highlights key moments and figures in LGBTQ+ history, while also emphasizing the importance of love, acceptance, and diversity. With its inclusive message and engaging storytelling, "Rainbow" fosters understanding, empathy, and pride in young readers, encouraging them to embrace who they are and celebrate the unique identities of others" (ChatGPT, June 10, 2024).
Commentary:
This is a beautiful book with an amazing story that spread love about the rainbow and shows a lot of support to the LGBTQ+ community throughout the storyline. There are stories with a deeper meaning occurring in the background with the actual story is still going. This a very great book to read aloud to students and ask for their input about what they see and what they think is happening.
Application:
In my class, we could read this during pride month and then follow it with an activity sheet that asks them what each color of the rainbow represents for them. And then we could go outside and find things to stick onto our paper and make our own rainbow from outside items. This is a great way for the kids to bond with nature and also think about the things they care, love and value.
December 24, 2024
This is very simple. It explains the colors of the Pride flag to readers in a manner simple enough for very young children. Every color means something. It ends with people of all types waving and wearing rainbow flags. Some are LGBTQIA+ and some are allies. The text says "Rainbows sing out. Be happy. Be love. Be proud. It's a good message for very young readers to ingest. As an adult reader, I wanted some kind of a story to go with it.
A letter to young readers from the author, Michael, reminds the reader that rainbows are "nature's way of smiling at us all." Rainbow flags are happy too. "They celebrate love, hope, diversity, and acceptance. Waving the flag says "This is who I am, and I stand proud!"
A letter to young readers from the author, Michael, reminds the reader that rainbows are "nature's way of smiling at us all." Rainbow flags are happy too. "They celebrate love, hope, diversity, and acceptance. Waving the flag says "This is who I am, and I stand proud!"
November 9, 2020
Rainbow: A First Book of Pride is easy to locate on epic and was reviewed by the School Library Journal. This book is a wonderful picture book that explains what the pride flag stands for and represents. In the beginning, the book gives the history of who introduced the world to the book. Then, the text goes color by color stating what the color values and symbolizes. While the words and sentences are simple, the message is powerful and written appropriately for young children. Additionally, I loved that the characters were diverse in culture, color, and gender. I think this text would be a good addition to a younger primary classroom!
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May 6, 2024This is a book that deals with rainbow pride. It celebrates LGBTQ. It is a colorful representation of the various colors in a rainbow. It is a celebration of life (Genhart, M., & Passchier, A. (2019). Rainbow: A first book of pride. Magination Press).
I would utilize this book for preschool and kindergarten. It has a lexile score of 240L. It has many colorful pictures and is easy to follow along.
I would make this book part of my library as an aid to go over various colors within a rainbow. The rainbow would be used for small children to learn their colors. A drawing exercise would also take place.
I would utilize this book for preschool and kindergarten. It has a lexile score of 240L. It has many colorful pictures and is easy to follow along.
I would make this book part of my library as an aid to go over various colors within a rainbow. The rainbow would be used for small children to learn their colors. A drawing exercise would also take place.
July 27, 2024
"Rainbow: A First Book of Pride" introduces children to the rainbow flag and its symbolism, celebrating LGBTQ+ pride and diversity through colorful illustrations and simple text.
This is so CUTE! Each page reads out a one liner showcasing the meaning of each color of the flag and including a cute illustration of empathy and inclusion. The perfect book to teach love and acceptance at a very young age. It’s very cut and dry, obviously for toddlers and babies. If it was geared toward older kids, I’d suggest implementing more diversity, more sizes, more disability representation, but for such an early introduction, it was very cute and to the point.
This is so CUTE! Each page reads out a one liner showcasing the meaning of each color of the flag and including a cute illustration of empathy and inclusion. The perfect book to teach love and acceptance at a very young age. It’s very cut and dry, obviously for toddlers and babies. If it was geared toward older kids, I’d suggest implementing more diversity, more sizes, more disability representation, but for such an early introduction, it was very cute and to the point.
July 21, 2019
Age: Infant-Toddler
Concept Skill: Colors
With three words per spread, Genhart describes the meaning behind each color of the Pride flag. There is no supplementary material that can further explain the colors which is a bummer but may encourage a reader's own interpretation through the assistance of the illustrations. Genhart also sticks to the the traditional Pride flag, instead of the updated Philadelphia version that incorporates black and brown strips (that represent people of color in the queer community).
This is a perfect read-aloud for an all-ages storytime.
Concept Skill: Colors
With three words per spread, Genhart describes the meaning behind each color of the Pride flag. There is no supplementary material that can further explain the colors which is a bummer but may encourage a reader's own interpretation through the assistance of the illustrations. Genhart also sticks to the the traditional Pride flag, instead of the updated Philadelphia version that incorporates black and brown strips (that represent people of color in the queer community).
This is a perfect read-aloud for an all-ages storytime.
October 26, 2019
A cute little book about the colors of the Pride Flag. Little kids will like it because it is very colorful. Each color has a page and it tells what the color means. There are all kinds of families in the book and they are all happy. As it should be. The author says at the back of the book, "Rainbow flags are happy too. They celebrate love, hope, diversity, and acceptance." There is a picture with all the families holding rainbow flags, and a little girl holding a sign that says LOVE in rainbow colors, and two men kissing and their mouths make one smile. It's extremely sweet. I love it.
June 18, 2020
A simple, cute book just to introduce some diversity. More of a conversation starter than a story.
The book goes through the meaning of each color in the original Pride flag along with illustrations of diverse families doing different activities. There are different races and gender presentations and different combinations of those diversities to make up the families. Toward the end there's a page of families with rainbow flags in front of world landmarks. The last page has a paragraph about what the rainbow means.
The cover has GLITTER. Also there's an orange cat doing arts and crafts.
The book goes through the meaning of each color in the original Pride flag along with illustrations of diverse families doing different activities. There are different races and gender presentations and different combinations of those diversities to make up the families. Toward the end there's a page of families with rainbow flags in front of world landmarks. The last page has a paragraph about what the rainbow means.
The cover has GLITTER. Also there's an orange cat doing arts and crafts.
December 5, 2022
I originally found this book from a peers review on Goodreads. After looking a little further, I found that this book won a Golden Poppy Book Award. So, I found a Youtube video of the author reading this book aloud, and decided to watch. A quick an easy read, I would recommend this book to primary school children, first or second grade. This could be a great book to promote inclusion and acceptance as it examines all the beauty and excitement of each color, and then the happiness that combining them can bring. The book explores rainbow families, which are families with LGBTQ+ members.
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September 19, 2023I must admit that I am a less informed of the LGBTQ+ community. I didn't know the true significance of the colors, despite the fact that I had always thought they did. Rainbow: A First Book of Pride by Michael Genhart, has given a great way to teach kids even adults about being together and having love and defining the meaning of the colors was great to start. This book would be a read out loud for preschool to 4th grade, but I would use this book as an individual read even for grownups. I also really like that in each page there was diversity.
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